Fourth of July is a day of celebration, and the food is a big part of it. Most people love the traditional Fourth of July foods like fried chicken, greasy hamburgers and potato salad made with real mayo, but they do nothing for your waistline, not to mention your arteries. But the Fourth isn’t a total loss when it comes to health. Here are four Fourth of July foods that have surprising health benefits.
Watermelon
Watermelon is as patriotic as apple pie, but watermelon is better for you. In fact, watermelon may help fight the battle against high blood pressure and heart disease. Watermelon is a good source of an amino acid called citrulline. According to a small study carried out at Florida State University, citrulline lowers blood pressure in people with borderline hypertension by relaxing blood vessels. Researchers are now looking at whether the citrulline in watermelon helps with erectile dysfunction. All the more reason to enjoy this naturally sweet treat on July 4.
Fourth of July Foods: Baked Beans
Baked beans are another popular Fourth of July food that has health benefits. Not only are they low in fat, but they’re also packed full of heart-healthy fiber and protein. The protein and fiber make them filling and satisfying, so you’re less likely to pig out on less waistline-friendly offerings such as fried chicken, chips and potato salad. The one drawback to eating baked beans is they’re high in salt and sugar. To reduce the sugar content, make your own using low sugar Heinz ketchup and sugar-free syrup. Then, eat up!
Tea
What would a July 4 picnic be without a glass of iced tea? Tea is a source of natural antioxidants called catechins that may reduce the risk of some diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. Black tea is more fermented, which destroys some of the antioxidant power that green tea retains. Go green with your tea this July 4, and sip green tea with lemon instead. Why lemon? Lemon lowers the pH of the intestinal tract and increases the absorption of tea’s antioxidants. Why not mix them and make green tea lemonade?
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
Surprised to see this one? Hot dogs and hamburgers aren’t always good for you, but they are when you put veggie dogs and veggie burgers on the grill instead. Enjoy them on a whole grain bun with as many veggies as you can pile on the bun. Add some low-sugar ketchup to get more heart-healthy lycopenes. Give your dogs and burgers an extra taste boost and more health benefits by adding guacamole, a good source of healthy, monounsaturated fats. Try some sauerkraut too. Fermented cabbage is full of natural chemicals that help to ward off cancer and probiotics keep your intestines and immune system healthy.
Fourth of July Foods Can Be Healthy
Help yourself to more of these Fourth of July foods. They’re Independence Day picnic choices you don’t have to feel guilty about.
References:
Nutraingredients.com. “Watermelon Compounds May Reduce CVD Risk: Study”
World’s Healthiest Foods website.
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